Colorado Gets Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing

DENVER (CBS4) - The concept is already in use in several countries. How exactly it will work in Colorado is not clear, but the drive-thru coronavirus tests are already being done on a larger scale in South Korea.

One CNN reporter demonstrated. First they took his temperature. Then, they wanted to know more.

"I fill out a questionnaire to see if I have any symptoms, or if I am in higher risk category of people," said Ivan Watson, a CNN Correspondent.

Then came the test. There it was with a nasal swab.

"Ooh it's uncomfortable!" Watson reacted.

He said the swab goes pretty far up your nose, but it's over quickly.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis made it clear you can't just show up for the drive-thru tests being conducted at the Lowry State Health Department lab facility.

"You need a doctor's order to get that test and doctors want to keep potential coronavirus patients out of their practices," Polis told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday.

The drive-up testing center will open Wednesday at 10 a.m. at 8100 E. Lowry Blvd.

Hospitals and offices like those of HealthOne are going to great lengths to keep those who suspect they may have coronavirus away from others.

Dr. Heather Signorelli, a HealthOne pathologist, told CBS4, "So we identify any patient or visitor at risk so we keep our hospitals and our patients safe."

Some doctors offices told us to be safe they may have to fax the order for the drive-thru test to the patient.

Once you are done with the test, the results are sent to a lab. It can take one to a few days to find out if you have contracted the virus.

RELATED: Latest Updates On The Coronavirus Outbreak In Colorado

Additional Information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:

• Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer; use your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home if you're sick; keep your children home if they are sick. The illness can last for many days so make preparations now to work from home if possible.
• We advise Coloradans to always be prepared for an emergency-- like a large snowstorm-- and have a plan for your family. Make sure to have 72 hours of key supplies on hand like medications, infant formula, diapers, pet food, etc. FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness is available on Ready.gov.
• Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.